New plant-based cleaning products slash emissions at Rendall and Rittner

Residential managing agent Rendall and Rittner has revealed it is using new plant-based cleaning solutions across its 44,000 London units as a way to reduce product use, lower emissions and improve financial savings.

Delphis Eco’s chief executive Mark Jankovich noted that products are shipped in concentrate form to reduce transport and carbon miles

Rendall and Rittner will use plant-based sanitisers and multi-purpose cleaners from ecological cleaning company Delphis Eco to reduce annual emissions by 477 tonnes – the carbon equivalent of circumnavigating the world 330 times.

The product range – which has been awarded with two Royal Warrants – will be incorporated across all London units after a successful pilot scheme at three of the company’s developments. As well as the aforementioned carbon savings, the new partnership will see the number of different cleaning products used by staff fall by 40%.

Rendall and Rittner’s director Catherine Riva said: “This project has enhanced our approach to sustainability, not just through our company but across our supply chain. We wanted to make our suppliers aware of the products and show them the benefits of going green. This successful partnership has shown that we can play a proactive role in managing sustainable developments by asking those we work with to follow our lead.”

As well as using the cleaning products on-site the company has also mandated its supply chain to use the product, with one supplier revealing annual savings of £6,000 as a result of the switch. In total, Rendall and Rittner believe that the products could reduce chemical spend and save customers £50,000 each year.

The products are designed to reduce the amount of packaging and transportation required to move large quantities of the plant-based cleaning chemicals. Delphis Eco delivers a box of two, five litre products compared to 55 boxes of six trigger spray products. The change in delivery saves 332 bottles and uses 54 less deliveries – leading to carbon savings of 331.84kgs.

Delphis Eco’s chief executive Mark Jankovich added: “All of our products are shipped in concentrate form to reduce transport and carbon miles. But that’s the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sustainability. This project with Rendall and Rittner is a great example of one company influencing their supply chain to make that green step change. It has forged the way for other FM companies to use ecological products and we would love to see more companies taking the lead.”

Planting the concept

A new pilot scheme between the two companies will be established later this year as a means of introducing residents and the developments to the products. Refill stations for the plant-based cleaners will be provided on site.

The use of plant-based resources has usually been reserved for a plastic replacement or as biofuels. Both Tetra Pak and Coca-Cola have been pioneering plant-based packaging as a means to lower carbon emissions and reduce the amount of plastic waste produced.

With the use of biofuel in vehicles still up for debate, the cleaning and residential sector could potentially become a primary source for plant-based liquids to be utilised as a means to lower emissions.